Venezuela has started releasing many political prisoners, including well-known opposition leaders, activists, journalists, and foreign citizens. The move comes less than a week after former president Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces on drug trafficking charges.
US President Donald Trump said the releases were done at the request of the United States. In an interview, he praised Venezuela’s acting government led by Delcy Rodriguez, saying it had agreed to everything Washington wanted. Venezuelan officials described the decision as a gesture to “seek peace” during a tense political transition.
Among those freed were Biagio Pilieri, an opposition leader linked to María Corina Machado’s 2024 presidential campaign, and Enrique Márquez, a former election official and past presidential candidate. Videos showed both men reuniting with their families outside prison, smiling and emotional.
Five Spanish citizens were also released, including well-known human rights activist Rocío San Miguel. Spain confirmed that all five would soon return home. As news spread, families gathered outside prisons across the country, chanting “Freedom” and hoping to see their loved ones released.
Human rights groups welcomed the move but urged caution. They said Venezuela has a history of releasing prisoners during political pressure while continuing arrests later. Foro Penal, a prisoner rights group, said that as of late 2025, more than 860 people were still detained for political reasons.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, speaking from exile, called the releases an act of “moral justice,” though she said it could not make up for the years people lost in prison. Rights activists warned the real test would be whether releases continue and whether repression truly ends.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has increased pressure on Venezuela by seizing oil tankers and tightening control over the country’s oil trade. Trump also said Machado may visit Washington next week, hinting at further talks on Venezuela’s future.
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